Louisiana Forced Blood Draws

The story- A female suspect was arrested for DWI. She was brought into the 5th Amendment violation (breath test) room.The woman then asked to make a phone call. Her request was denied. The officer then handcuffed the now irate suspect.

This is where the incident turns violent. The police officer turns off the room’s video camera. When the camera finally is turned back on the woman is lying in a pool of blood on the floor.

The officer’s story- “she fell.” No word on if this suspect’s blood was taken off the floor for alcohol sampling. No charges have been filed agains the officer.

We arrest DWI suspects, deny them attorneys, force them to take blood tests, etc/ to protect “public safety.” Our only protection from the police, however, is freedom.

Texas does not allow for phone calls (including to defense counsel) before DWI samples are taken. I can’t see the danger in allowing a phone call. However, the state needs their DWI convictions to keep us safe.

This is not legal advice. This is educational/entertainment/blogging. Reading this blog and/or submitting comments will never form an attorney-client relationship. That is a serious step for us to take. I don’t even know you. Consult with an attorney before choosing any course of conduct.

This blog is made available for educational purposes only. By using or participating in this site you understand that there is no attorney client privilege between you and the attorney responding. This site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney that practices in the subject practice discipline and with whom you have an attorney client relationship along with all the privileges that relationship provides. The law changes frequently and varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The information and materials provided are general in nature, and may not apply to a specific factual or legal circumstance described in the question.